🇬🇷 Greece · Dessert
Ipovrychio: Submarine Spoon Sweet
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇬🇷 GRIpovrychio, meaning 'submarine' in Greek, is a unique and traditional spoon sweet made from a thick, intensely flavored vanilla or mastic syrup served submerged in a glass of ice-cold water. It's a delightful palate cleanser and a refreshing treat, often enjoyed during warm Greek summers.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
To make the syrup (if not using pre-made), combine 500g of sugar and 250ml of water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- 2
Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the syrup to a boil. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, without stirring, until it slightly thickens. You want it to coat the back of a spoon.
- 3
Remove the syrup from the heat. If using mastic, crush 0.5 teaspoon of mastic resin with a tiny pinch of sugar in a mortar and pestle until it forms a powder, then add it to the hot syrup. If using vanilla, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- 4
Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional) to the syrup. This helps prevent crystallization and adds a subtle brightness. Stir gently to incorporate, then let the syrup cool completely to room temperature.
- 5
Once cool, transfer the thick, flavored syrup to an airtight jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up into a paste-like consistency.
- 6
To serve, take a tall glass and fill it with ice-cold water. The colder, the better! This is crucial for the 'submarine' effect and the refreshing experience.
- 7
Using a spoon, scoop a generous tablespoon of the chilled, thick syrup and carefully submerge it into the glass of ice water. The sweet will immediately harden slightly and appear like a 'submarine' in the water.
- 8
Present the glass with the submerged sweet. The traditional way to enjoy Ipovrychio is to lick the sweet directly from the spoon, then take a sip of the cold water, repeating until the sweet is gone. It’s a wonderfully interactive and cooling experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Ipovrychio?+
Ipovrychio is a traditional Greek spoon sweet, a thick, intensely flavored syrup (usually vanilla or mastic) served on a spoon submerged in a glass of ice-cold water.
How do you traditionally eat Ipovrychio?+
The custom is to lick the sweet directly from the spoon, then take a refreshing sip of the cold water, repeating until the sweet is consumed. It's a unique interactive experience.
What is the role of mastic in some Ipovrychio?+
Mastic resin, a unique product from Chios, Greece, provides a distinct piney, earthy aroma and flavor, adding another traditional dimension to this beloved sweet.
Can Ipovrychio be stored, and for how long?+
Yes, once made, the syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several months, ready to be served whenever desired.
🇬🇷 GRMundo Match
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